These past 16 days we watched a lot of the 2012 Olympics.  Following are my personal top ten memories, in no particular order:

Favorite Olympic Commentator Name:  Rowdy Gaines – I wondered what kind of parents name their kid “Rowdy?”  I looked him up and his given name is really Ambrose.  Then I wondered, what kind of parents name their kid “Ambrose?”

Favorite Spectator:  No, it’s not Aly Raisman’s parents, it’s the poor guy who had the bad luck to be seated behind them.  Hey, don’t judge this guy, he finally got to go to the Olympics and didn’t really get to see them after all.  And to top it off, the entire world watched as he had one of the most frustrating moments of his life.

“Hey, down in front!”

“I spent hundreds of dollars for this!”

Favorite Sport that I don’t think should be in the Olympics:  Rhythmic Gymnastics – I like watching it, but it makes me wonder what is next on the Olympic competitive field.  Maybe break dancing, which is also very physical, or possibly even synchronized break dancing.

Sport that I surprised myself by getting into:  Women’s Beach Volleyball.  Something about those three-time American champs who are in their thirties and still at the top of their game!

photo credit: Matt Kryger, USA Today/US Presswire

Favorite Athlete that I didn’t know before these Olympics:  Lolo Jones.  She didn’t get a medal but worked hard and, win or lose, displayed poise and grace.  I love her stand for purity and hope she’ll be a role model for young women today.

Favorite Team:  U.S. Women’s Track and Field – Individually these ladies show a lot of class, but when they work as a team like in the 4×400, they’re just amazing.

photo credit: cbsnews.com

Competitor I felt the most sorry for:  Stephan Feck from Germany.  This poor guy may have to change his name.  I hope he remembers that he beat out a lot of people to get his spot on the team.  Everybody has a bad day now and then; unfortunately for Stephan, his is down for posterity on YouTube.

Most Entertaining Person:  Usain Bolt.  Anybody else would sound arrogant and unbelievable saying the things he says.  He only sounds arrogant.  I love to watch him run.

Usain’s Trademark Lightning Bolt is Everywhere

The person I’ll miss most at the 2016 Olympics:  Michael Phelps.  Will there ever be another swimmer like him?

Michael Phelps – the most decorated Olympic athlete of all time
Photo credit: Jorge Silva, Reuters

Words I can’t bring myself to say no matter how many times Bob Costas refers to the Olympics this way:  “These Olympics.”  I can’t picture myself saying, “Hey, do you want to come over and watch “These Olympics” tonight?  Nope, I just won’t say that.

What are your favorite Olympic memories?